Extraction Of Mineral Resources Research Articles

Container technology for transporting rock masses in quarries

Container technology for transporting rock masses in quarries

Greening mineral resources extraction: A pathway to carbon neutrality through energy productivity and institutional reform

Climate change poses a significant challenge, and exploring the role of natural resources for sustainable development initiatives in emerging economies has become an important area of research. Thus, this study explores the influence of natural resource rents (NR), energy productivity (EPY), and institutional quality (IQ) on carbon emissions (CE) for the emerging seven economies. Using the method of moment quantile regression, the results show that NR decreases carbon emissions across all quantiles, exhibiting a declining trend from lower to higher quantiles with a coefficient of −0.124 in the 25th quantile to −0.0387 in the 90th quantile. The study reveals that both energy productivity and renewable energy consumption play crucial roles in mitigating carbon emissions across all quantiles. The results reveal that IQ significantly reduces CE only in the 25th and 50th quantiles. The findings also show that renewable energy consumption's impact in reducing CE increases across quantiles (with a coefficient value of 0.506 in the 25th quantile and 0.595 in the 90th quantile), whereas the influence of energy productivity on emission reduction lessens from lower (−0.590 in the 25th quantile) to higher quantiles (−0.324 in 90th quantile). In contrast, the results reveal that GDP growth enhances carbon emissions across all quantiles, although this trend weakens at higher quantiles. These findings highlight the complex linkage between economic variables and their effects on the environment in the E−7 economies, underlining the significance of sustainable energy practices.

H2020-ROBOMINERS Prototype Field Test

ROBOMINERS was a project funded under the European Union’s Research and Innovation programme Horizon 2020 (grant agreement n°820971) and started in June 2019 with the primary objective of facilitating the extraction of mineral resources, including strategically important metals crucial for the ongoing energy transition, from domestic sources within the European Union. To achieve this goal, the ROBOMINERS consortium—including 14 partners from 11 European countries, has developed a bio-inspired robot specifically designed for mining deposits that are challenging to access or relatively small in scale. The prototype was tested and demonstrated in July, August and October 2023.

Viscoelastic Characteristics and Mechanical Performances of Asphalt Mastic and Mixtures with Fly Ash from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Residues

Viscoelastic Characteristics and Mechanical Performances of Asphalt Mastic and Mixtures with Fly Ash from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Residues

Application of a Variable Weight Time Function Combined Model in Surface Subsidence Prediction in Goaf Area: A Case Study in China

To attain precise forecasts of surface displacements and deformations in goaf areas (a void or cavity that remains underground after the extraction of mineral resources) following coal extraction, this study based on the limitations of individual time function models, conducted a thorough analysis of how the parameters of the model impact subsidence curves. Parameter estimation was conducted using the trust-region reflective algorithm (TRF), and the time function models were identified. Then we utilized a combined model approach and introduced the sliding window mechanism to assign variable weights to the model. Based on this, the combined model was used for prediction, followed by the application of this composite prediction to engineering scenarios for the dynamic forecasting of surface movements and deformations. The results indicated that, in comparison with DE, GA, PSO algorithms, the TRF exhibited superior stability and convergence. The parameter models obtained using this method demonstrated a higher level of predictive accuracy. Moreover, the predictive precision of the variable-weight time function combined model surpassed that of corresponding individual time function models. When employing six different variable-weight combination prediction models for point C22, the Weibull-MMF model demonstrated the most favorable fitting performance, featuring a root mean square error (RMSE) of 32.98 mm, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 25.66 mm, a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 7.67%; the correlation coefficient R2 reached 0.99937. These metrics consistently outperformed their respective individual time function models. Additionally, in the validation process of the combined model at point C16, the residuals were notably smaller than those of individual models. This reaffirmed the accuracy and reliability of the proposed variable-weight combined model. Given that the variable-weight combination model was an evolution from individual time function models, its applicability extends to a broader range, offering valuable guidance for the dynamic prediction of surface movement and deformation in mining areas.

Analysis of the spatiotemporal variation of groundwater storage in Ordos Basin based on GRACE gravity satellite data

Groundwater is the primary source for drinking, agriculture, irrigation, industrial, and municipal uses in Ordos Basin, a regional energy and heavy chemical industrial base in China. In recent decades, groundwater levels in the basin have declined due to climate change and anthropogenic activity. Analyses of the spatiotemporal variation of groundwater storage are crucial to regional sustainability. This study conducts the analysis utilizing GRACE gravity satellite data and GLDAS model data, employing methods that include the generalized three-cornered hat, Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, and wavelet analysis to investigate the spatiotemporal variation of groundwater storage in the basin. The analysis results indicate that (1) before 2008, the climate had a significant influence on groundwater storage, with minimal impact from human activities, while after 2008, human activities have caused a noticeable decline in groundwater storage, particularly in the eastern region. (2) The eastern region of the basin experienced a decline in groundwater storage with a rate of −1.86 cm/yr, the middle region with a rate of −1.24 cm/yr, and the western region with a rate of −0.63 cm/yr. The extensive extraction of petroleum, natural gas, coal, and mineral resources in the basin has contributed to this pattern. (3) Human activities have altered the hydrological processes from precipitation infiltration, groundwater propagation, and groundwater distribution, leading to an increasingly complex groundwater system. (4) Human activities affect groundwater in the saturated zone more extensively than in the unsaturated zone. The research findings highlight that human activities are the main factor driving the variation in groundwater storage in the basin and provide crucial scientific evidence for protecting groundwater resources.

Balancing law, sustainability, and the economy in China's responsible mineral resource extraction path

This study assesses the impact of the rule of law, transparency, green economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), innovation, and green technology imports on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from mineral extraction in China (1989–2020). Utilizing data from the China Statistical Yearbook and international databases, it identifies the positive effects of the rule of law and transparency on sustainability in China's mineral extraction. A 1 % increase in these factors corresponds to significant CO2 reductions, indicating the effectiveness of regulations. The green growth index is also associated with positive CO2 reductions. Surprisingly, foreign direct investment (FDI), innovation (patent applications), and a lack of green patents reveal unexpected environmental impacts. Policy recommendations encompass reinforcing legal frameworks, fostering green economic growth, aligning FDI with eco-friendly practices, incentivizing green innovations, and promoting green technology imports to enhance sustainability in China's mineral extraction sector.

Subsidising Extraction: Care at Work in Zambia's Copper Mines

AbstractThis article explores the ambivalence of care and its role in sustaining capitalist extraction in Zambia's copper mines. Based on ethnographic research within mines and their encompassing communities, the article documents the caring practices of mineworkers and attempts of trade unionists and managerial staff to counsel and support mineworkers as they navigate exploitative employment conditions. These acts of care are often unacknowledged or trivialised by corporate discourses and top company management. Yet, they are pivotal in maintaining and repairing fragile labour relations and, thereby, production. The article explores the way acts of care support workers but, at the same time, reassert the power of the company and the inevitability of exploitation. Following the deconstruction of paternalist welfare systems in the mining sector, neoliberal investments are buttressed by these caring practices and the wider set of relationships they mobilise within the labour force and the broader community. These acts of care thus subsidise the extraction of Zambia's mineral resources.

IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL RESOURCE ACCOUNTING IN INDIA : A CASE STUDY ON THE MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES

Natural resource accounting is a crucial framework for evaluating the economic and environmental dimensions of a regions resource utilization. This case study delves into the crucial field of natural resource accounting in India, with a specific focus on the management of mineral and energy resources. The study underscores the fundamental axiom that Measurement of a resource leads to its better management. Through data collection, resource valuation, stock and flow analysis, sustainability assessment, and environmental impact evaluation, the paper reveals insights into the sustainable management of these invaluable assets.Indias burgeoning demand for mineral and energy resources, driven by rapid economic growth, necessitates an informed approach to resource management. Natural resource accounting serves as a key tool in this regard. By quantifying these resources, assessing their value, marketing them and considering their economic, environmental, and social impacts, this study advocates for a more informed decision-making process.The study emphasizes how the data and analysis derived from natural resource accounting facilitate the formulation of effective policies. These policies encompass resource extraction quotas, taxation, conservation measures, and environmental regulations, all of which are vital in ensuring responsible resource management.Furthermore, the study acknowledges the significant environmental repercussions of mineral and energy resource extraction. It underscores the importance of accounting for environmental costs and damages, thereby advancing policies aimed at responsible resource management and environmental conservation.A critical aspect addressed in this case study is the assessment of resource sustainability. Understanding whether resources are being extracted at a rate that is sustainable in the long term is paramount. It also underscores the need for policies that promote sustainable resource management and conservation.Transparency and public awareness are another focal point of the study. The availability of information regarding the status and utilization of mineral and energy resources can lead to more responsible resource management practices and enhanced accountability among stakeholders.Finally, this study emphasizes the economic planning and revenue generation potential of natural resource accounting. By grasping the value and availability of mineral and energy resources, governments can allocate resources for development projects, infrastructure, and social welfare programs more effectively.In conclusion, natural resource accounting is a vital tool for sustainable resource management in India. By quantifying and assessing these resources while considering their economic, environmental, and social implications, the government and stakeholders can make more informed decisions and work towards responsible resource management. The study highlights the potential for responsible management of mineral and energy resources in India, benefiting both the present and future generations while safeguarding its natural heritage.

Mineral resource extraction and resource sustainability: Policy initiatives for agriculture, economy, energy, and the environment

The depletion of minerals is a growing problem that significantly impacts the availability of natural resources. Mineral resource extraction plays a vital role in the global economy, providing essential raw materials for various sectors such as agriculture, energy, and the environment. The extraction of minerals is critical to sustainability, but it does come with risks and challenges, such as environmental degradation. This paper examines the nexus of mineral resource extraction and sustainability in China from 1971 to 2019, using GDP per capita, fossil fuel energy consumption, and CO2 emissions as moderator variables. The result explains that mineral depletion, agriculture value-added, and economic growth are positively associated with natural resources. At the same time, fossil fuel energy consumption and CO2 emissions are negatively related to natural resources. Overall, policy initiatives focusing on mineral resource extraction and resource sustainability are necessary to ensure the long-term health of agriculture, economy, energy, and the environment. By instituting regulations and incentives that support sustainable practices, we can provide the responsible use of mineral resources and preserve the domain. By investing in research and development, China can ensure the continued availability of mineral resources while promoting sustainable energy sources and protecting the environment.

Assessment of the split tensile strength of fiber reinforced recycled aggregate concrete using interpretable approaches with graphical user interface

Incorporating recycled concrete aggregates into concrete represents a sustainable approach to mitigate the extraction of natural mineral resources and alleviate the adverse environmental effects associated with the concrete industry. Nevertheless, it encounters challenges due to the vulnerability of the hardened mortar adhering to natural aggregates. Thus, leading to an increased susceptibility to cracking and reduced strength. Therefore, this study utilized machine learning (ML) methods such as gene expression programming (GEP), random forest regression (RFR), artificial neural networks (ANN), ANN-Bagging, and ANN-Boosting models to forecast the split tensile strength (STS) of fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (FRRAC). To develop the models, 257 data points were gathered from experimental studies, encompassing ten influential input variables and considering the STS as the output variable. The accuracy of the models was assessed using statistical metrics. The five developed prediction models showcased excellent and reliable performance, with an impressive correlation coefficient (R) exceeding 0.80 during training and reaching 0.92 in testing. However, the GEP model outperformed the remaining four models, with an excellent R-value of 0.980 in training and 0.983 in testing. In addition, the standalone ANN model demonstrated performance on par with the ensemble ANN-Boosting model. In contrast, the ANN-Bagging ensemble model outperformed the individual ANN model, showcasing superior prediction accuracy with impressive R-values of 0.952 and 0.975 for training and testing, respectively. Moreover, the feature analysis based on SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) revealed that fiber content, recycled aggregate density, cement, and water have the highest contribution in estimating the STS of FRRAC. Furthermore, a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) has been developed to simplify the application of machine learning models in predicting the strength properties of concrete. In conclusion, the findings can encourage the utilization of FRRAC in both structural and non-structural reinforced concrete elements. Therefore, promoting the recycling and reuse of construction waste into building materials and thereby reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, incorporating recycled concrete aggregate in construction projects has the potential to decrease construction material costs, as it reduces reliance on natural resources such as natural coarse aggregate.

Geophysical Techniques for Monitoring of Integrated Mine Waste Storage Facility: Case Study of Southeastern Bulgaria

The extraction of mineral resources usually generates varying amounts of extractive waste, which require appropriate management. Extractive waste management is complicated and difficult process. It encompasses a lot of actions and many different competences. Here must be taken into account the mining excavation method, processing methods, beneficiation and overall mineral treatment. The results obtained from these study provide an important basis for the quantification and management of environmental impacts of the Integrated mine waste facility (IMWF) at the “Ada Tepa” gold mine. The aim of this research is to monitoring the process of internal water drainage into constructed cells of the facility. This task is performed using geophysical method based on electrical resistivity measurements made on the ground surface. Electrical resistivity tomography is commonly used to solve mining and engineering issues, because it is efficient and environmentally sound. This study demonstrates the efficiency of electrical resistivity tomography in detecting the saturated zones in the IMWF.

Potential risks of developing countries in the process of exploration and extraction of deep-sea mineral resources

<p>Deep sea mining involves the extraction of minerals from the ocean floor. As deep sea mining is a relatively new practice, there is still much to be learned about the technology and the potential risks associated with it by the developing countries. Developing states must ensure that proper safety measures are in place to prevent accidents and minimize the risk of environmental damage. While the potential benefits of deep sea mining are significant, it is essential to ensure that the process is carried out responsibly and sustainably to protect both the environment and local communities. Developing countries face numerous challenges when it comes to actively participating in deep-sea exploration. Some of these challenges include a lack of adequate resources, limited technological capabilities, and limited access to funding. Additionally, developing countries often lack the necessary legal frameworks and regulatory systems to effectively regulate deep-sea exploration, licensing and extraction activities, especially within the continental shelves and the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). These challenges can make it difficult for developing countries to fully participate in this important area of scientific research for a sustainable blue economy. This paper suggests an effective partnership between oceanographic research institutes from developing countries with research institutes from countries like France, Germany, UK, Belgium, Netherlands, China and International seabed Authority (ISA) in deep sea marine scientific research. The paper identifies the need for a joint collaboration for the purpose of acquiring reliable data on the seabed topography, location, shape, coverage, and abundance of deep-sea mineral resources in the continental shelves, exclusive economic zones of developing countries, and area beyond the national jurisdiction. There is also a need to develop legal framework on deep sea policy for sustainable actualization of developing nations’ blue economy.<strong></strong></p>

Geometallurgy: Present and Future

Geometallurgy is an interdisciplinary research field concerned with the planning, monitoring, and optimisation of mineral resource extraction and beneficiation. Geometallurgy relies on a quantitative understanding of primary resource characteristics such as mineralogical composition and texture, the spatial distribution and variability of these characteristics, and how they interact with mining and beneficiation processes. Thus, geometallurgy requires accurate analytical data for resource characterisation and detailed models of orebody geology, mining and processing technologies, mineral economics, and the often-complex interactions between them. Here, we introduce the fundamental concepts relevant to the field, with particular emphasis on the current state-of-the-art and some notes on potential future developments.

The oil production-mineral extraction-economic development nexus: A critical reappraisal

Using a Vector Autoregression (VAR) model, this study examines the relationship between crude oil and mineral extraction, and economic development in resource-dependent countries during the period 1995–2015. The results indicate that the performance of crude oil has a positive and significant short-term impact on economic development indicators, gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates, and employment. Additionally, in countries dependent on mineral resources, increases in crude oil prices increases employment rates by 0.8 %. This study also identified a significant long-term link between mineral resource extraction and economic growth, demonstrating that in nations dependent on mineral resources, an increase in crude oil performance is statistically significantly correlated with a 1.5 % increase in GDP growth. The results help clarify the dynamics at play and offer useful information for stakeholders and policymakers as they develop plans for sustainable economic growth and manage the problems brought on by resource dependency.

A true triaxial creep constitutive model of rock considering the coupled thermo-mechanical damage

The main emphasis in contemporary mineral resource extraction has shifted towards deep Earth resources to address economic development requirements. The influence of temperature has emerged as an undeniable factor as engineering projects delve deeper into the Earth. The definition of a damage variable, which considers the coupled thermo-mechanical damage, has been proposed within the framework of damage mechanics. This definition aims to accurately describe the different stages of rock creep behavior in high-temperature environments. Furthermore, a constitutive model has been developed to describe the creep behavior of rocks under the combined influence of temperature and true triaxial stress. This model considers the series connection of the elastic body, nonlinear Kelvin body, Heard body, and visco-elastic-plastic body. The model has been parameterized and validated using available creep test data, and the equation for the yield surface of rocks under true triaxial stress has been derived through data fitting. The findings suggest that the developed constitutive model is capable of accurately describing the properties of rock creep behavior at different stages in high-temperature conditions, thus confirming its rationality and precision.

Impact of Reindustrialization on the Priorities of Inclusive Development of the Resource Region

Increasing the competitiveness of the economy of a resource region is ensured by developing its production potential. At the same time, indicators of sustainable and social development of the territory are often considered as «secondary». A quantitative assessment of the inclusivity of a resource-specialized region (by the example of the Krasnoyarsk Krai) is convincing evidence of this. The greatest lag in inclusive development is indicators of the standard of living. It should be noted that resource development has significant risks and limitations. To mitigate the negative consequences of priority development of industries for mineral resources extraction, it is proposed to implement a new industrial policy for the reindustrialization of the resource region economy, based on the development of processing industries, the use of environmentally safe technologies, and the development of mechanical engineering as the "core" of industry. The aim of the study is to determine the influence of reindustrialization on the priorities of inclusive development in a resource region. The conducted research has proved that the priorities of inclusiveness, in addition to the general goals of socio-economic development, are the formation of a «green» economy, the creation of high-tech jobs, and expanding the list of engineering specialties focused on the needs of reindustrialization.

Plurigaussian modeling of non-stationary geological domains to assess geological uncertainty in a porphyry copper deposit

In mineral resources extraction projects, the morphology of geological domains that make up the ore types in a mineral deposit is essential for mine and plant planning and design. Modeling the layout of these domains and quantifying the uncertainty associated with such a layout can be performed via geostatistical simulation in order to provide multiple geological outcomes that are equally likely to occur. This work focuses on showing how plurigaussian simulation can help to model ore type domains exhibiting spatially varying probabilities of occurrence, through an application to a porphyry copper deposit in northwestern Iran. The results demonstrate the advantage of incorporating spatial variations of the domain proportions, in accordance with the geological interpretation of the deposit, to obtain geologically consistent and realistic outcomes.

Analisis Kondisi Sumber Daya Mineral Brown Canyon Semarang

Natural resources (SDA) are wealth that not every country in the world has. Natural Resources are divided into several parts according to their classification, including Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources are natural resources that contain minerals and mining materials that have economic value. The materials contained therein are usually used as high-value production materials, this is what causes mineral resources to sometimes be used inefficiently. One of the mineral resources in Indonesia is in Central Java Province, precisely in the city of Semarang, which is commonly known as "Brown Canyon". The "Brown Canyon" area is rich in natural mineral resources which are ultimately used by the community as work land in the form of mining, on the other hand, "Brown Canyon" is also used as a natural tourist attraction. The mineral content in the form of sand and stone in this area has a promising economic value for the surrounding community, but behind this economic value the existing content or reserves are not yet fully known. In this research the author will analyze the current conditions of the "Brown Canyon" area, especially in terms of the availability of mineral resources in the area using qualitative and survey methods. The results of the calculation of mineral reserves were obtained at 1,918,800 tons. Mineral reserves in the form of stone and sand in Brown Canyon will be exhausted within 17 years with annual mineral resource extraction of 108,000 tons.

Key Trends in Pursuing Industrial Policy in Conditions of Russian Economy Digitalization (illustrated by oil industry)

The article analyzes the use of digitalization in oil industry on today’s stage of development and studies best practices of such companies as ‘Lukoil’ and ‘Gaspromneft’. Findings of the research showed barriers for introducing digital technologies in oil industry, i. e. a shortage of highly-qualified workers, who could work with robotized production processes, the necessity to invest large finance resources and difficulties in realizing import-substitution technologies. At the same time two key trends aimed at these challenges minimization were put forward: the development of digital strategy of the company and setting-up own digital techno-parks. Principle advantages of industry digitalization were shown: possibility to attract investors, to increase volumes of mineral resource extraction, to grow the number of spheres of oil companies’ work and to cut costs on equipment maintenance.